Mary J. Blige, Only Love | Track Review 🎵

Post-divorce & post album-flop, Mary J. Blige returns ferociously on her throwback, neo-disco single, “Only Love.”

Despite exhibiting the Strength of a Woman, Mary J. Blige didn’t experience much success with her 2017 post-divorce LP.  That’s a shame because there were some terrific songs including “Thick of It” and the Kanye West feature, “Love Yourself”.  No need to “cry over spilt milk” though.  It’s 2018 and the ‘Queen of hip-hop soul’ returns with an unexpected new single, “Only Love.” Worth noting, “Only Love” arrives via Republic Records as opposed to Capitol.

While Mary J. Blige is known for articulating and infusing pain with her brand of R&B, “Only Love” is enthusiastic, jubilant, and optimistic.  After experiencing her share of love pains in her own divorce as well as Strength of a Woman, love actually comes through (for the most part) on “Only Love.”

“It’s crazy
The way you’ve got the beat of my heart racing
Only love (Only love!)
It will build you up
Bring you down
Only love.”

This energetic, neo-disco joint is a good look for Blige, even if it’s a bit anachronistic compared to modern urban contemporary music.  Anachronism or not, at 47, this definitely feels like it suits her.  A bit smoother than usual, a minor nitpick is that I wouldn’t have minded if she had a bit more bite at times.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Mary J. Blige returns strong with the groovy, throwback gem “Only Love.” At this point, the queen is merely flexing as opposed to innovating or changing the game.  Regardless, hopefully, a new album is in the works sooner as opposed to later.  While Blige may be past her lucrative heyday, it would be nice to see Republic put some money behind her and successfully promote her forthcoming project. That’s what the ‘Queen of hip-hop soul’ deserves.

Mary J. Blige, “Only Love” • Republic • Release: 7.13.18

Photo Credit: Republic